Birth through Pre-K
The Ark is the Preschool Ministry at Woodridge. Our goal is to love and care for children while their parents hear the word of God in Sunday School and Service. They learn the love of Jesus through Bible stories, games, activities, crafts, and more. Our dedicated and experienced teachers lead children as they explore God's World. All Children's teachers and workers have had a background check in order to ensure the safety of the kids that attend.
The Ark is open for Sunday School and Worship for Babies – Pre-K. Our children ages 2 - Pre-K attend Preschool Children’s Church during the 11:00 service. Our current service times are Sunday School at 9:30 and Worship at 11:00. There are six age breakouts:
- Koala & Turtles- Babies Birth- 8 months
- Hippo & Giraffes- Creepers & Toddlers
- Elephants- Ones
- Monkeys & Zebras- Twos
- Lions- Threes
- Frogs- Fours
Curriculum- How We Learn
During the 9:30 Sunday School Hour The Ark uses a Hands-on Bible Curriculum. Each week there is a Bible Point, Bible Verse and a Jesus Connection where we make the connection between the story and Jesus, the reason for the story. We also use Bible Discovery Paks where there are creative on hands Learning Labs to dig deeper into God’s word.
February Curriculum for Toddlers and Twos-
Jesus Helps Sick People
When we read the story of the men who lowered their friend through the roof to get him in front of Jesus, we often talk about their presistence or the man's faith that allowed him to be healed. It certainly took a lot of faith on the men's part to do what they did -- finding the equipment they needed, removing a section of the roof, and carefully lowering their friend through it. The man also had to have faith to be healed. They must all have truly believed that Jesus could help sick people.
However, we can't forget that it was Jesus who people came to see. It was Jesus who did the healing. It was Jesus who had the power to heal. It was Jesus who had compassion for the paralyzed man and many others on that day. It was Jesus who made sick people well, broken people whole, and sinful people forgiven!
The responses of the people who were there varied greatly: the Pharisees were critical; the rest of the people were amazed and praised God. This month is the perfect time to begin developing in your toddlers an awe toward the God who does such amazing things: helping sick people and saving us from our sins!
Bible Verse- “Jesus helps us all.” (Adapted from Matthew 11:28)
February 5th- Jesus helps sick people.
February 12th- Jesus helps sick people because he loves them.
February 19th- Jesus helps sick people, and we can, too.
February 26th- We're thankful that Jesus helps sick people.
February Curriculum for Preschool Ages 3 & 4-
Four Lessons on Zacchaeus
Zacchaeus was a sly entrepreneur who collected more taxes than the hated Roman government required and then pocketed the surplus. His dishonest business dealings made him a wealthy -- and despised-- man. Since the people of Jericho considred Zacchaeus a thief and a traitor, they must have been shocked when Jesus invited himself to Zacchaeus' home. But Jesus' unconditional love softened Zacchaeus' sin-hardened heart and dramatically changed his life. That very day Jesus announced that salvation had come to Zacchaeus' house.
Just like the people of Jericho, preschoolers learn by example. We often hear them using adult phrases and mimicking our phone conversations and see them treating others as they are treated. It's our responsibility to give children a loving, accepting example just as Jesus did. The lessons in this module will provide opportunities for children to give and receive love and kindness.
Bible Verse- “Never get tired of doing good.” 2 Thessalonians 3:13b
February 5th- Jesus wants us to love him.
February 12th- Jesus wants us to be kind.
February 19th- Jesus wants us to be sorry when we do wrong.
February 26th- Jesus wants us to do what's right.
Children’s Worship- How We Praise
Preschool Children’s Worship is offered during the 11:00 service for our children ages 2 years of age – Pre-K. Each week, children engage in songs that go along with the lesson being taught. Through movement and music, puppets and bible lessons children learn from the Bible in a way that will stick with them. Our hope is that throughout the week, children will sing and reflect on the songs they have learned.
Wednesday Night
Preschool Tracks
On Wednesday night we offer choir and missions for 3 and 4 year olds (must be 3 by September 1st). They will spend 45 minutes in each group starting at 6:00pm and ending at 7:30pm. Choir will be learning by doing music and movement in many different ways. Missions will be learning about missions around the world. The choir will perform at least twice during the year.
Footprint Wall
This wall is designed for our newborns. Once the begin coming to church we will put your child’s foot print around the viewing window in the nursery. Their name and date of birth of your child will also be written under their feet.
Mom to Mom
We offer Mom to Mom Bi-Monthly on Thursday mornings for moms. Bible study, crafts and fun is provided for your child during this time. Mom-to-Mom is a great new program for mothers of pre-school and school-aged children. Connect with experienced Mentor
Moms, study the Bible, and experience life together.
Parent's Night Out
The first Friday of each month we have parent’s night out for our church members to have a night out knowing their children are enjoying a well-supervised, well-planned night of games, crafts and age appropriate movies. It’s a great night for Class parties or a date night. The cost for this is $4.00 per child. Registration is available on line or at the preschool check–in desk. Children must be registered by the Monday before PNO. Ages babies – 5th grades.
Click Here for registration information about Parents Night Out